In this edition of Where Are They Now, KickOff has tracked down beloved former Golden Arrows star Lucky Sibeko, popularly known as 'Y2K'.
The retired dribbling wizard, who contributed immensely to Arrows being known as Abafana Bes'thende (The Backheel Boys), shares that his biggest regret in football is allowing agents to take advantage of him financially.
Who am I?
"Lucky Sibeko is from Inanda. In my amateur days, I played for Young Brazil, before moving to Royal Tigers, which was my first professional team in the National First Division. Lamontville Golden Arrows spotted me playing for Royal Tigers in a school soccer tournament."
My playing days:
"I did achieve something in football, even though I didn't accomplish everything I had hoped for. I retired in 2008. I felt it was time after playing from 1996 to 2008. I was in my 30s when I retired, and to be honest, I can't complain."
Did I make money from soccer?
"In those days, there wasn't much money in our football. The teams I played for had no sponsors, so the owners had to dig into their pockets to finance the teams. Because of this, we couldn't earn enough to save for life after football - we were living from hand to mouth. There was a time when SuperSport United wanted to sign me, but my bosses at Arrows turned down that offer. However, they did raise my salary afterward [laughs]."
Where I'm living:
"I'm still living at home in Inanda."
Jobs since playing the game:
"After quitting football, I faced some difficulties in my life. I started working as a tiler, installing floor tiles in people's houses just to put food on the table. It was tough; my body wasn't built for hard labour. I earned far less than what I used to as a professional player. It was during this time that I reached out to people like Sis Mato [Madlala, Arrows chairperson] to share my struggles, and things have been better ever since."
My current job:
"Sis Mato has given me a job in the Arrows development programme, which I enjoy. It allows me to impart my knowledge to young players. Patience, respect, and discipline are essential in football."
If I could do it again:
"If I could go back, I would stand up for myself more. My biggest problem was not advocating for myself. I should have managed my own affairs. Some agents only seek to enrich themselves."